Psychology Midterm Review

Define representative sample and explain why it is important.

A representative sample uses a small group, whose characteristics closely match those of the larger population that it is derived from. It is a fairly accurate representative of the larger population

EEG

produces a record of electrical activity in the brain

MRI

uses magnetic impulses to produce images of brain structures

PET SCAN

produces images of metabolic activity in the brain

Define positive psychology and explain how it differs from other perspectives.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worthy living. It focuses on positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple levels. Including human strengths, thriving, living meaningful lives, cultivating what is best within oneself & enhancing the experiences of love, work and play.

Population

The "population" in statistics includes all members of a defined group that we are studying or collecting information on for data driven decisions

fMRI

produces images of brain structure and function

Outline the ethical standards that psychological researchers must follow.

Ethical standards promote values and protect subjects. Ethics help to develop trust, instill fairness, promote good behavior, encourage kindness and respect

Describe the various methods for studying the brain and its functions

electroencephalograph (EEG) computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scan) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) positron emission tomography (PET scan) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Representative sample

A representative sample uses a small group, whose characteristics closely match those of the larger population that it is derived from. It is a fairly accurate representative of the larger population.

CAT SCAN

uses X-rays to produce images of brain structures

Identify the basic components of the neuron.

Neuron [Nerve Cell] Dendrites [Short branches from the nerve cell that receive impulses from other neurons.] Axon [Long tail-like branch of a nerve cell that transport nerve impulses from the cell body out to other nerve cells.] Cell body [The central part or nucleus of a nerve cell.]

Describe the major schools of thought and theoretical perspectives in psychology

behaviorism psychoanalysis cognitive psychology evolutionary psychology biological psychology sociocultural approach

What is the main purpose of the scientific method?

main purpose of this method is to ensure that theories are valid and reliable. It also helps to eliminate errors and to correct mistakes.

The steps of the scientific method are

(1) identify a problem or research question, (2) design a study, (3) collect data, (4) analyze data, (5) draw conclusions, and (6) communicate findings.

What is a neuron?

A nerve cell responsible for information processing functions

Sample

A part of the population is called a sample

Explain the rationale behind placebo-controlled experiments.

Placebo [Fake treatment] Double-blind technique [Neither subject nor experimenter know who is getting the treatment.] Placebo effect [A psychological phenomenon in which the control group perceives an improvement due to expectations.] Experimenter bias [Expectations about outcomes may skew the experiment.]

Define psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Define the scientific method, and explain how it is used in psychology.

Scientific Method is the process for experimenting used to exploring observations and answer questions based on empirical or measured. evidence.

Identify the basic components of the synapse.

Synapse [The junction between two neurons that contains the presynaptic and post-synaptic endings of two neurons] Synaptic gap [The space between neurons.] Presynaptic neuron [Delivers the message across the synapse] Postsynaptic neuron [Receives the message from the presynaptic neuron]

The steps of the scientific method are (1) identify a problem or research question, (2) design a study, (3) collect data, (4) analyze data, (5) draw conclusions, and (6) communicate findings. Identify the step associated with each of the following activities:

The main purpose of this method is to ensure that theories are valid and reliable. It also helps to eliminate errors and to correct mistakes.

Put a check mark by each statement that is true regarding psychology.

__x__ Psychologists study human behavior. __x__ Psychologists study animal behavior. __x__ Psychologists study emotions and mental processes. _____ Psychology and "common sense" lead to the same conclusions about behavior and mental processes. _____ Psychology is not a science